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Technology never ceases to amaze, especially when it comes to artificial intelligence. While some might be worried about it taking over jobs, others are loving everything AI is starting to offer. Think of all the ways AI is being used for good–education systems, financial help, and even transportation.
It’s especially making a splash in the professional world. We see systems and unique automation starting to emerge from the technology, including the use of professional-looking headshots. It’s taken the industry by storm and could be the future of business photography as we know it.
What Are AI Headshots and How Do They Work?
An AI headshot is an artificial intelligence tool that creates a headshot based on the photos you provide. It analyzes the features of your face to help create multiple headshots that look realistic and professional. Once created, you can choose which headshot best fits you.
There are many different AI headshot generators to choose from and each one is different. However, they all follow a similar pattern of how to use the generator. To answer the question of how they work, we’ll look at the process used by one of the top-rated AI generators, Portrait Pal.
When you first open Portrait Pal, it’ll ask you what package you want to choose, which can range from $35-$75. Then, you’ll upload some pictures of you to help the AI analyze the photos and understand how to create the headshot.
You’ll want to decide what type of image you’re after. Some examples are business-like, head over the shoulder, and a head tilt. After deciding, you’ll hit create and wait for your headshots to be produced. This can take anywhere between 2 hours or 3.5 hours, again, depending on which package you selected, meaning you’ll receive your headshots the same day.
That’s a quick glance at the inner workings of one popular AI platform and many other platforms are similar. It’s essentially a super easy way to turn your selfies into professional headshots.
Why People are Choosing AI Headshots
AI headshot generators are becoming a more popular choice for business photos. There are many reasons people choose to use AI for headshots, but here are some the top:
High-Quality Photos
You might think that using an AI headshot generator doesn’t produce high-quality photos. We’ve all seen AI photo flops, after all!
However, AI headshot generators have improved over time, like any other technology you use. Because of the improvement, the headshots’ outcome has also improved, and it looks like a professional photographer took the picture. Having a high-quality headshot will help your headshot stand out from other competitors.
Personalize to Fit What You Want
With any headshot you receive, you worry about whether the headshot looks like you had pictured it or if it matches who you are as a person. With an AI headshot, you can actually choose what your headshot looks like.
You can choose your background and clothing with a simple description of what you’re looking for in the AI prompt box. If you want a business-looking headshot, it can provide that. If you want a headshot with a little more character, it can also create that for you. It provides all these options in easy steps.
Easy to Use
One of the biggest reasons people choose to use AI headshots is because of how easy it is to use. Most AI headshot generators have a step-by-step outline of how to use them. It’s so convenient to use that you could even use it while you’re still lying in bed. It’ll ask you to upload multiple photos or selfies of yourself. Based on what you provide, it generates a professional-looking headshot through those photos.
Receive the Same Day
Another reason why others are choosing to use AI headshots is they produce the headshot on the same day, usually within three hours. When you’re on a time crunch, this is a huge benefit. You won’t have to stress about trying to find a professional photographer on such short notice.
Accessibility
Technology is all around us. Whether we use our phones or computers, we have it right at the ends of our fingertips. Because of this, we can access an AI headshot wherever we are–at your desk, on vacation, at a coffee shop–anywhere! You can create your personalized headshot whenever you want or need it.
Affordability
Having a professional photographer take your headshot can be pricey. Sometimes, you may need more time or money to hire a professional photographer. You also have to work around when the photographer has an opening.
You don’t have to worry about that with AI headshots. Most AI’s have affordable packages for you to choose from. They can range from $30 to $100. The $100 package might seem like a lot of money for such a simple app, but with what you’re given by using the headshot app, it’s worth paying for.
Why Some People Question AI Headshots
As with any app people use, some may question if AI headshots are functional, user-friendly, and reliable. They just want to make sure it’s worth their investment. Below are a few reasons why people may question the AI headshot generator.
No Face-To-Face Interaction
People like to have face-to-face interaction with their photographer. They want to be able to talk through their vision with someone who understands good pictures. They also like it when the photographer compliments them and gives them different ideas of how the headshot could help them stand out better.
There is nothing wrong with wanting a face-to-face interaction, but you could have a face-to-face interaction by asking your family or friends what they think of your headshot after using an AI headshot generator.
Potential Distortions
Some people mention that distortions happen when using the AI headshot generator. They may notice that some lines aren’t straight, or their hair may be blurry. While these are valid concerns, AI is up to date with technology and knows how to fix those mistakes if they happen.
Taking Photographers Jobs
People may say that AI headshot generators are taking away photographers’ jobs. There will always be a need for photographers. There are simply things photographers can capture that AI cannot.
That being said, the ease of using AI headshots can decrease the demand for pro headshot photographers, eliminating some jobs. Sometimes, people just need a quick, affordable headshot, and AI headshot generators can produce that, while few professional photographers can. It means that photographers will need to adapt to stay competitive with AI and other professionals.
The Future of Professional Portraits
As word gets out about how valuable and easy AI headshot generators are, they’ll become what people turn to when they need a professional-looking photo.
Because of how advanced it’s become, people are questioning whether the headshot they’re looking at has been created professionally or with an AI headshot generator. It can also help those who are on a tight budget to afford a professional-looking headshot.
Unless professional photographers can adapt their practices to be more budget-conscious and time-sensitive, the future of headshots is definitely turning toward AI.
Members of the Newport Beach Independent Newspaper were not involved in the creation of this content.